Bangkok: Thailand is co-hosting the 5th INFOFISH World Tilapia Trade Conference and Exhibition to advance sustainability within the global tilapia industry. The Department of Fisheries is continuing its royal initiative aimed at enhancing the careers and quality of life for Thai farmers across all regions.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Thitiporn Laoprasert, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, appointed Mr. Phonphisin Suwanchai, a fisheries management expert, to represent Thailand at the conference’s opening ceremony. The event, held from November 3-5, 2025, at the Jubilee Prestige Hotel Ratchadapisek in Bangkok, attracted over 350 attendees from academia, government, the private sector, and the global tilapia industry to collectively pursue sustainable growth.
Mr. Phonphisin emphasized that the conference, themed ‘Enhancing Innovation and Sustainability for the Future of the Tilapia Industry,’ was co-organized alongside the World Tilapia Association, the 13th International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the University of Arizona, the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), and other global partners. The event served as a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences to improve production efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability in the tilapia industry.
Key topics discussed included the global tilapia market’s overview, regional production, and market trends. Experts highlighted innovations in aquaculture technologies and tilapia health and nutrition, focusing on vaccines and alternative feeds to lower production costs. Discussions also covered value-added products, by-product utilization, and international investment and cooperation to drive sustainable industry growth. A panel on tilapia welfare and production certification was also held to enhance quality and competitiveness in the sector.
In Thailand, tilapia holds historical significance, tracing back to March 17, 1966, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great gifted 10,000 tilapia to the Fisheries Department. This initiated the “Chitralada Tilapia” strain, significantly benefiting Thai farmers. The Fisheries Department continues this legacy by improving Thai tilapia strains to meet growing demand sustainably.
Thailand’s role as co-host underscores its leadership in global tilapia aquaculture. The conference serves as a platform for shaping the industry’s future, enhancing competitiveness, creating investment opportunities, and promoting global food security. The Department of Fisheries remains dedicated to advancing production technology, food safety standards, and environmentally friendly practices to ensure sustainable growth in Thailand’s fishing industry.